All For Jesus!

I'm on a journey... A journey with an incredible Savior who's name is Jesus Christ. One that I shouldn't be on, but because of His great love, I am. And, it's a journey that I hope to share with you through this blog. I hope it will encourage you to give all you have for the sake of knowing this great King. (Phil 3:8) Let me be clear about something though. This is not to give me credit or glory in any way. It's solely for the name of Jesus! He is the only One worthy of the glory and praise.

 
                             My Support Team (minus a few)  

                               (Me and my sister before I left)

     In this post, I just want to update you on what’s happened since I left America. On September 4th I flew to Tours, France to start my language learning process. I spent 5 weeks with a private tutor trying to get a strong base in French before I went on to Africa. It went really well and has definitely has help me in adjusting to daily life here. Of course, I’m not fluent by any means, but going to France first was great because I was able to learn the grammar I needed to have (I wouldn't be able to get it here). Overall the Lord used the time in France to teach be a lot more than just a new language. He used it to draw me closer to Himself.

                                          (Paris)

     Now on to Africa! October 10th I flew from France to Niger, Africa. It was such a great feeling to finally be back in the country where I knew the Lord had called me to serve. The first few weeks here were spent trying to get settled into daily life. If you've ever spent time in Africa, then you know this can be very hard to do. But despite the difficulty, I was able to buy a motorcycle within the first week I was here! The following week I started to look in my village for a house to rent. My friend took me to look at a house I though I was going to rent until I found out that the owner was out of town and his neighbor had decided that he would just rent it out for him. Welcome to Niger. Soon after, I found another nice house that I was able to put a contract on. This was a huge blessing to find a place this fast because their are some people who have looked in this village for a year and still have not been able to find a house. This house will be great for so many ministries. Bible studies, discipleship programs, and short term teams that come over.In less than a month spent here, I am officially a resident of Kawra Tagi. Praise the name of Jesus for working everything out for me!
   
                                   (My House)

                                     (Living Room)

                                      (Bedroom)

                                    (Bathroom)

  A few days after I arrived in Niger I got to experience something that some of you may not even know still exist. It's a holiday that the Muslims celebrate one day a year. They call it "Tabaski" and basically each family will buy a lamb that most of them can't even afford. They sacrifice this lamb because they believe that their sins transfer to the animal for that year. There are two problems with this. One, they are worshipping a false god who has been dead for a long time and can't forgive anyone’s sins. And two, we no longer need to give a sacrifice because the perfect Lamb of God was already sacrificed for you and me two thousand years ago. Jesus! So pray for these precious people that their eyes will be opened to the one and only true King.

                                          (Tabaski)

     There are so many ministry opportunities for me in this country! Right now I'm working at a kids club we are doing on Saturday mornings. I'm also trying to build relationships with the younger guys around my village so when my French is to the level it needs to be, I can share the love of Christ with them. I will also be running a sports program at a school near me. Please continue to pray for the salvation of the people here and for Jesus to have full reign over me and the others I work with.

                                         (Kids Club)

                             

     And so this is the beginning of a great journey I'm on with an amazing God. I don't know where it will take me or what I will face but there is no greater joy than serving your Creator! He is the "Great I Am".